Earlier this week, we reported that Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 720 (Next) console may block used games and and require a persistent Internet connection.
Although Redmond has yet to either confirm or deny the report, GameStop spokesman Matt Hodges moved quickly to criticize the expected ban of second-hand games.
“We know the desire to purchase a next-generation console would be significantly diminished if new consoles were to prohibit playing pre-owned games, limit portability or not play new physical games,” Hodges told Bloomberg.
In addition, a ban on second-hand titles raises the question of what gamers will do if their console is nonfunctional and they have to to replace it. For example, if a title only allows for a single activation, gamers would not only have to replace the damaged console, but their entire game library as well, a scenario that doesn’t make all that much sense to us.
As previously discussed on TG Daily, Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 720 (Next) console will reportedly support wake-on-voice, natural language controls and speech-to-text. According to The Verge, the above-mentioned capabilities will allow Xbox users to walk into a room and say “Xbox on” to activate the new console.
In addition, Redmond may also be investigating the possibility of a Kinect sensor that could be programmed to detect the number of individuals in a room and suggest appropriate multiplayer games after a user queries the Xbox using its voice platform.
